About The Blogger

My name is Tammy Lim and I am an award winning blogger from Top 10 Malaysia Magazine and Cleo Malaysia Magazine. I have been blogging since 2008 and I am also the founder of a local Malaysian beauty & lifestyle community called The Butterfly Project. People often tell me that I'm a wonder woman, but in reality - if it's something you love, you can do wonders.

When I'm not wondering, I'll be on my computer searching for the next fountain of youth or hunting down a fantastic deal. I'm also a shopaholic, wanderluster, spa enthusiast and proud hipster who loves planning special occasions and surprises for her loved ones.
  • Top 10 Female Bloggers in Malaysia Award
  • Cleo's Next Top Blogger Malaysia Award
  • Founder of The Butterfly Project Malaysia



  • The Banjaran Hotsprings and Spa Ipoh Review

    8.31.2015

    this is my 4th time here! still love this Lil' heaven

    Did you know there's this heavenly hot springs retreat 2 hours away from Kuala Lumpur called The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat? Yes I'm not kidding and I have been to this sanctuary to escape my city life 4 times since I saw the advertisement in The Star Newspaper back in 2010. It is an ideal place to come to relax and switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A sanctuary that creates the stress-free environment to forget about all of life's worries. If you need to get away from everything and treat yourself for a few days or a weekend then I recommend Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat as the perfect choice of destination for you. I felt as if I was in a little slice of paradise only a couple of hours from my doorstep - ask yourself how many other places do you know that can offer this?.

    A lil' bit introduction about Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat who recently won the TripAdvisor 2015 Traveller's Choice Award. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is nestled in a 16.19-acre valley, cradled by 260 million-year-old towering Paleozoic limestone hills, verdant rainforest, rejuvenating geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls. Your getaway to regain balance and rediscover your sense of true self, this unique hideaway is designed to luxuriate in, with therapeutic value in mind.

    Housing 25 Garden and Water villas, a pampering Spa and Wellness Centre and a host of retreat experiences combined for ultimate seclusion and bliss. Restore what life takes from your body and soul as you dip into the Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools, or stare and be overwhelmed by the near-vertical rock formations around the retreat. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll through the jungle to breathe in the sights of rarity. Otherwise, simply immerse in a state of enlightenment and inner peace in the Meditation Cave.

    Interesting facts about The Banjaran:
    • Electric buggies as a mode of transport for guests
    • Use of geothermal hot springs water for private villa Jacuzzi, Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools, Garra Rufa Doctor Fish Pool, swimming pool and manual irrigation system for the landscape
    • Recycled wood, deadwood and driftwood as decorative items
    • Local vegetation and fruit trees for the freshest servings of healthy delights
    • Locally-made natural skincare range used in spas (free from artificial perfume, colouring, preservatives or harmful chemicals)
    • Use of ceramic containers instead of plastic for personal care amenities
    • Eco-labelled printing paper and recycled paper
    The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is an exclusive haven who only welcome adults and guests above 12 years of age.

        me sounding the gong before entering, it's a tradition here

    welcome to the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

    the hot springs amongst the lush limestone hills

    the steam cave above the hot springs
    (natural hot steam to awaken your senses)

    the geothermal hot springs dipping pods

    surrounded by aged old limestone hills

    the swimming pool, the natural hot springs

    you can hear soothing music around the swimming pool

    the perfect place to read a book & enjoy the scenery

    I felt like I was a million miles away from home when I was relaxing in the tranquil isolated surroundings of the geothermal hot springs dipping pools and the meditation cave. Any aches or pains that my body had before seemed to disappear pretty quickly when I set foot in the jacuzzi-style dipping pools and I felt my mind feeling a little lighter and carefree when I entered the meditation cave. As you can see from my pictures, the view from within the meditation cave when it is all lit up is truly breathtaking - I'm sure you guys will all agree that it wouldn't be hard to get motivated to meditate or participate in a yoga class in such a dramatic and inspirational environment, right?  

    If you feel a little energetic you can go for a 30 min jungle walk through the forests of the lost world of Tambun where you can find flora and fauna, waterfalls and mysterious caves...sounds adventurous and exciting right? For all the gym rats out there don't worry there is a modern design fitness centre with a full range of quality fitness and training equipment to work off all the delicious tasty healthy food on offer at the retreat's all day restaurant, Pomelo. If you are brave and daring enough like me to plunge into the freezing ice bath, you will be rewarded with increased circulation throughout your body and a reduction in blood pressure. Overlooking the crystal clear geothermal hot springs water, lies the Thermal steam cave (Steam Cave Spa), which has a soothing, relaxing and detoxifying natural sauna.

    A lover of rocks and caves? Go on a cave exploration in Banjaran as you discover the many years of beauty inside and out of these wonderful mysterious secrets of the Tambun. I would recommend taking a stroll down Jeff's Cellar with a glass of wine in your hands. Enjoy the amphitheater music surrounding the cave, echoing throughout every inch of the magnificent curvatures of one of the treasures of Tambun.

    So, as you can see, there are so many health benefits in choosing to stay at Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. The facilities are awesome you want for nothing because every one of your needs is taken care of. I felt like a VIP with the way the staff and managers treated me during my stay I can't speak highly enough of the friendly, professional and courteous service. They made me feel like I was in a home away from home.


    10 THINGS TO DO IN BANJARAN



    1. GEOTHERMAL HOT SPRINGS DIPPING POOLS
    Relieve stressed muscles and tired joints. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural Jacuzzi-style dipping pools containing fresh hot water from the three million litres that billow up daily from the ground below.
    2. THERMAL STEAM CAVE (Steam Cave Spa)
    Seek solace in this cave with a platform overlooking a body of crystal clear geothermal hot springs water. Indulge in its natural sauna for a restorative therapy to soothe, relax and detoxify.

    3. ICE BATH (Ice Bath Spa Treatment)
    Elevate your state of health by plunging into the freezing ice bath which helps improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure and strengthen the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

    4. MEDITATION CAVE
    With calming temperatures and the absence of external sounds and interruptions, focus your mind in silence for complete relaxation and contemplation in the natural granite and limestone Meditation Cave.

    5. CRYSTAL CAVE
    Restore and balance your natural life force energy in a crystal cave with amethyst and quartz crystals that facilitate metaphysical healing. This cave is perfect for a session of Reiki.

    6. GARRA RUFA DOCTOR FISH POOL
    Dip your legs and feel the tingling yet relaxing sensation of exotic Garra Rufa fish. This therapy is a natural form of exfoliation and relaxation, eliminating dead skin cells and rejuvenating the skin.
     Explore Malaysia Jungle Walk

    7. JUNGLE WALK
    Explore and appreciate unique flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls and mysterious caves as you embark on a leisurely half-hour jungle trek through the deep limestone hill forest of the Lost World of Tambun.

    8. FITNESS CENTRE
    Spacious with a relaxed atmosphere, you will enjoy a satisfying workout in the modern fitness centre which accommodates the latest movements with a full range of quality fitness and training machines.
     The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Facilities Malaysia

    9. FREEFORM SWIMMING POOL
    Created over the natural hot springs bed, the outdoor mineral-rich geothermal heated swimming pool invites you to simply relax in its healing waters, or swim up to the pool bar to sip on refreshing beverages.

    10. SPA & WELLNESS
    Restore life and soul into your exhausted self with a choice of over 40 Asian holistic treatments and therapies offered for the full relaxation of the body and rejuvenation of the mind.

    my Garden Villa *screams*


    the plunging pool is a sight to behold

    could just laze around whole day relaxing next to my pool

    the hot tub with hot spring water at the backyard

    his & hers wash basins
    (you know you're in heaven when you have your own basins)

    the beautifully crafted fan reminds me of Bali

    luxury comfort for a good night's sleep

        study desk overlooking the garden



    everything put into place, perfect pieces of the surroundings

    There are 2 types of villas - Garden (set within secluded tropical gardens overlooking the lush rainforest) and Water villas (which rest on the banks of a water canal and feature an indoor plunge pool). I stayed in one of the Garden villas which were very spacious and came with a luxurious master suite equipped with a 40" LCD TV that included a 7' king sized bed for an extra comfy good nights sleep. There is also free WI-FI throughout the villa and the added bonus of a private butler service. I particularly liked the layout of the villa which included an outdoor terrace with a plunge pool and natural geothermal hot spring water-filled Jacuzzi all to myself.

    taking a stroll along the river banks

    admiring the beautiful flora around the retreat

    calm serenity, perfect weather, lush greenery

         a great place for photography

        the water villas at the river bank


    the all-day organic restaurant, Pomelo

    has outdoor verandas above the river bank

    truly romantic at night for a candlelight dinner

    the indoor dining area, fresh air, plenty of sunlight

    carefully put together menu by Chef Felix Eppisser (Culinary Director)

    upon being seated, you're presented with cool towels, cold drinks
    and hearty freshly baked organic bread

    Udang Galah Panggang Kuah Percik RM60
    (grilled local freshwater lobster, sweet & spicy
    coconut cream, seasonal vegetables)

    served with steam fragrant rice

    The Banjaran Treasure Garden Salad RM28
    (with chef's choice dressing)

    Prawn with Kaffir Lime & Green Mango RM32
    (green mango salad, carrot strips, chili, ginger, lime)

    Warm Chocolate Fondant
    with mix berries & white coffee ice-cream

    Pomelo Dessert RM28
    (caramelized lemon parfait with pomelo & kaffir lime leaves)

    This is the retreat's all-day health restaurant "Pomelo", named after Ipoh's famous fruit - Pomelo. The restaurant's menu is creatively crafted by Culinary Director Felix Eppisser whom I personally had the pleasure of meeting during my stay at Banjaran. He introduces a colorful palette of inventive dishes avoiding the typical classic tastes with a combination of senses that awakens your tongue. I was pleasantly surprised by the use of fruits, flowers from Banjaran in his dishes. His cooking style is inspired by Malaysia, South-East-Asia with a touch of European cooking.


    waterfall yoga in Banjaran


    nature trail around Banjaran


    the Meditation Cave
    (daily yoga sessions available upon request)

    Banjaran is essentially a health & wellness retreat


    sundown in Banjaran


    serenity sets and the beauty of the night emerges

    Dinner at The Pomelo, 3-course meal RM120

    Amuse-Bouche

    Tuna Carpaccio
    (honey and lime dressing, mandarin, capers berry & micro green)

    Angus beef with truffle sauce
    (Mashed potatoes & vegetables from Cameron Highlands)

    Pomelo Dessert
    (caramelized lemon parfait with pomelo & kaffir lime leaves)

    Warm Chocolate Fondant
    with mix berries & white coffee ice-cream

    Friandises & mignardises

    Having been to Banjaran in the past, I was surprised to the new change in menu, it's food presentation and creative use of ingredients in its dishes. The introduction of Amuse-bouche and Friandises & mignardises into its dining menu, was exciting. Amuse-bouche "mouth amuser" is a single, bite-size hors d'oeuvre created by the chef and cannot be found on the menu. It is often accompanied by or to complement the wine, offering guests a glimpse of the chef's approach to the art of cuisine.

    I particularly love the dessert creations at Pomelo. They were fun, interesting and deliciously refreshing. The warm chocolate fondant was my favorite, with oozing chocolate from the core and homemade Ipoh white coffee ice-cream. The combination of bitter, sweet and a taste of Ipoh made this dessert sinfully captivating. Just when I thought my dinner course was over, the waiter presented one dish, called the Friandises and Mignardises. Mignardises are small sweetmeats/ savories accompanying coffee after a meal while Friandises are large bites of sweets. Definitely a perfect end to my dinner. I adjourned to Jeff's Cellar to admire the splendid wonder of Tambun before going back to my villa.


    Jeff's Cellar

     
         dawn in Banjaran

    daily breakfast buffet at Pomelo





    a hearty breakfast in the morning in Banjaran

    The epitome of a luxury private getaway can be said of the Banjaran. It's one of the Lil' pleasures in life I partake in every year just to indulge myself. I tell my friends, once you go into Banjaran, you'll never come out. With so many relaxing health and wellness activities and if you're interested in wellness programs to cater to your long stay you can find it on www.thebanjaran.com. I'll update my review of the Balinese massage at their Spa & Wellness centre. My first few visits here left me with little impression of their massage skill but this trip changed it all. Impressed by the change, I'll update my review soon here again.

    Kudos to the Culinary Director Felix Eppisser and his partner in crime, wife and also the Director of Banjaran Luccia Eppiser for this remarkable lift of the Banjaran. I have the pleasure of meeting the power couple during dinner and have shared with them about my thoughts on Banjaran from my first visit in 2011 and recently now. I hope to see Banjaran win yet another award for being the best health and wellness getaway in Malaysia.

    The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
    1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3,
    31500 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
    contact: +6 05 210 7777


    6 comments:

    1. I want to go there so badly.... hari tu survey banjaran hotspring ni for hoenymoon sekali tengok pakej harga die. Nangis!! Tapi still dalam my wishlist...

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    2. wow... O_O how much is this place? I can't believe it's in IPOH.

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    3. WOW!!!!! THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!

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    4. This is such a beautiful place... I wonder if I can ever have the chance to step foot in this haven.... One fine day... I hope and pray...

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    5. This looks like an amazing place!! OMG! Now who would believe that this is in IPOH?? Must get an international travel magazine to discover this lil gem! Thanks Tammy for sharing this :)

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    6. I never saw such a nice, natural SPA place: thanks for your great pictures!

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